Human rights concerns over escalating violence in Libya

Rupert Colville, Spokesperson for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). UN Photo/Jean-Marc Ferré

The office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights says that it is deeply concerned by the violence in Libya that has led to a number of people being killed and injured in the east of the country, particularly in Benghazi – including people not directly involved in armed clashes.

The office is urging all sides to exercise the utmost restraint and to take part in peaceful talks. It's also calling on the authorities to renew their efforts to meet their obligations under international human rights law, specifically with respect to protecting the right to life.

Rupert Colville, Spokesperson for the High Commissioner for Human Rights, says that each day it's becoming more difficult and dangerous for human rights defenders, humanitarian workers, media professionals and indeed all those engaged in efforts to support Libya to operate.

"We condemn in the strongest possible terms the tragic murder on 4 June in Sirte of Michael Greub, head of the International Committee of the Red Cross office in Misrata. We call upon the authorities to launch a prompt, impartial and independent investigation and ensure that those found responsible are brought to justice. This is fundamental to ensuring that the rule of law is upheld and the culture of impunity in Libya is not allowed to grow even worse than it is already." ( 26″)

The Human Rights Office is calling on all parties in Libya to ensure that UN officials and aid workers can perform their impartial human rights and other work without harassment or intimidation.